By Judy Carmack Bross
“We need to remember that nothing changes if nothing changes. Film is a strong visual medium which can clearly role model, explain and lead to social action.” —Karen Cardarelli, Executive Director of Facets.
Andy Davis
Gordon Quinn
FACETS and Kartemquin Films, mainstays of Chicago’s independent film scene, present the first of “Vital Conversations,” a screening series August 9-11 at FACETS. Rich Moskal, former head of Chicago Film Office will moderate a conversation between Kartemquin’s founder Gordon Quinn, a documentary maker for 50 years, and Andy Davis, Fugitive director and cinematographer, on documenting historical political moments entitled “Filmakers on the DNC: 68 Til Now” on August 9.
The weekend ends with a panel: “Artivism: Can Art Bring us to Action”, an exploration of the vibrant ways documentary filmmakers and artists are using their platforms to spark stronger futures. Quinn serves as moderator and participants are a mix of artists who push forward social issues. Panelists will be Latoya Flowers, a media producer at the Field Museum, Essence MacDowell, a writer and creative director, Sonja Henderson, a sculptor and community activist, and Ruth Leitman, a director who heads Ruthless Films.
Medium Cool, 1969, tells the story of a TV news cameraman trying to keep his distance during the 1968 DNC.
Quinn and Davis got together this week to finalize their conversation, recalling their own time at the DNC ’68.
Working with his mentor the famed cinematographer Haskell Wexler, Andrew Davis was there with a “phantom crew” shooting footage for Medium Cool, his first film hire which many think was the definitive film on the Convention. It was released in 1969. Quinn was at DNC ’68 with wife and friends to actively participate in the protests. He intentionally didn’t bring a camera because he knew others were photographing it and he wanted fully participate in rallies.
“We were right back then. The Protestors were right, about speaking out against the war, against discrimination at University of Chicago, about police brutality – so many things. My advice is listen to the protestors,” Quinn said. “Today’s protestors are equally as militant but possibly have a greater understanding of the interconnectedness of issues”
Cardarelli told us about their upcoming conversation.
“Catalyzing moments they will tell reference the ‘Red Squads’ which were provocateurs, the impact the draft had back then and the ‘baby stroller’ demonstration at Picasso Plaza – all leading up to the violence at the DNC.”
Karen Cardarelli, Executive Director of FACETS
Betsy Leonard, Executive Director of Kartemquin Films told us:
“For over 50 years, Kartemquin’s mission has been to empower the creation of stories that foster a more engaged and just society – turning toward and grappling with the most critical issues of our time. We do this by producing documentaries on a wide range of issues, championing filmmakers in developing their craft, and aligning with partners who understand that documentaries are powerful vehicles for truth that can transform the world around us. Combining FACETS’ renowned experience creating cinematic experiences for youth and adults with Kartemquin’s long history as a documentary powerhouse, Vital Conversations invites audiences to engage their heart, mind, and activism alongside some of our country’s most inspiring artists.”
Betsy Leonard, Executive Director of Kartemquin Films
Karen Cardarelli, FACETS Executive Director adds, “This new screening and discussion series brought to you by FACETS and Kartemquin Films fosters “vital conversations” on activism, documentary, and the space in between. Pairing documentary screenings with panel discussions and workshops, Vital Conversations combines FACETS’ renowned experience creating cinematic experiences for youth and adults with Kartemquin’s long history as a documentary powerhouse. Vital Conversations is an opportunity to engage and discuss how documentaries can continue to center themselves in civic spaces and not just the screens and invites audiences to engage their heart, mind, and activism alongside some of our country’s most inspiring artists.”
Three films, including two on how activism and painting intersect, will be shown on August 10 at FACETS. Viva La Causa shows mural making in Pilsen and Golub shows how large canvases by Leon Golub portray repression around the world. Hard to Swallow is a food show that chronicles the life of and perspective of Nigerian chef Tunde Wey.
The focus of “Vital Conversations” will change with each series. “We are considering doing a future conversation on women’s rights and another of stories of youth in Chicago taking action,” Cardarelli said.
For more information on the “Vital Conversations” weekend, visit facets.org
